Fear of Flying? Flight Passengers Share Their Top Pre-Boarding Rituals
Many Americans may be worried about flying given some of the recent travel news.
There are some travelers who have always been concerned about boarding an aircraft — and who practice certain rituals to help give them some peace of mind while in the air.
Brian Morris of Salt Lake City, Utah, created “Flight Deck: Fear Of Flying Flash Cards” to create and share tips for nervous flyers during takeoff procedures.
Morris posted a video on TikTok, inviting anxious passengers to share their pre-flight rituals. In a poignant moment, he mentioned observing that some flyers tap on the side of the airplane as they board, each tap crafting a connection between their anxieties and the metal giant that will soon carry them through the clouds.
His clip sparked a wave of responses from fellow travelers, each sharing snippets of their nervousness entwined with unique coping strategies. One user articulated, “I always place my right hand on the plane and step onto it with my right foot first, saying, ‘Bless this flight.’ Been doing it for years.” This ritual not only offers comfort but also transforms the act of flying into a sacred experience.
Another traveler shared, “I have to tap. Flight attendants have even thanked me for keeping us all safe,” highlighting both the community aspect of these rituals and their impact on the collective flight experience.
Echoing this sentiment, another user noted, “I always touch the right side of the door as I enter,” while someone else fondly added, “I like to bring a blanket every time I fly.” These personal items add a layer of familiarity and warmth amid the cold, clinical environment of an airport.
One TikToker mentioned a lighthearted custom: “I always kiss my hand and touch the plane as I board,” demonstrating how humor can occasionally intersect with anxiety relief.
Another passenger revealed, “I say a prayer and order a drink every time,” further showcasing how personal rituals create a cocoon of familiarity before the flight begins.
Throughout his experiences, Morris has encountered a myriad of unusual airplane rituals. “One is to lift your feet while flying,” he explained. “Some believe it helps the plane stay airborne.” Others, he noted, might tap the overhead luggage compartment once they’ve landed as a way of thanking the aircraft for a safe passage.
Many resort to music as a comfort. “Some play the same lucky song over and over during the flight in their noise-canceling headphones,” he mentioned. It’s a reminder that, though the aircraft may hurtle through the skies, the heartbeat of a familiar melody can act as an anchor.
To explore deeper emotions tied to flying, Blewett reflected, “I like to think that flying weekly provides healthy reminders of mortality and who’s in control.” The ritual of clutching rosary beads or crossing oneself before takeoff underscores the gravity of entrusting one’s fate to the skies.
He, too, has seen others tapping the plane while boarding, a practice that seems to bridge the divide between the personal and the communal.
Before takeoff, some people opt for a pre-flight drink while others engage with loved ones on calls or text messages, weaving threads of connection to their ground life as they brace for the journey ahead. Many also lift their feet during takeoff and landing, believing it to invite luck or ease the plane’s ascent.
The emotional landscapes traveled by nervous flyers highlight a tapestry of shared experiences, each thread rich with individuality yet intertwined in collective rituals. From comforting touches and hopeful prayers to cherished songs, these personal practices reveal the tender human spirit navigating fear, discovery, and, ultimately, flight.
